Japanese tuner cars �� leaving a meeting
At the time of the British Motor Show 1964 an ad Dufay Birmingham Ltd, a subsidiary of a stock film maker based in London, has been overlooked in all the excitement surrounding the latest models of public attention was directed to the Mini Moke Sunbeam Tiger and, depending on how you define excitement, Vauxhall Victor FC series, so it was easy to forget the news that Dufay had agreed to import a range of small sedans made by the oldest automaker of Japan.
The first imports arrived in May 1965 by the Daihatsu Compagno the first Japanese car to be officially sold in the UK Four Compagno versions were imported, but regardless of whether you've chosen the two doors 800 Berlina, succession, four doors Berlina or 1000 Spider-called Vignale, Dufay they promised everything.
The cost 800 799 17s 4d, a figure inflated by rights to the British import, which makes Compagno an expensive prospect for a small car 1965 vintage because it cost about 200 more than the comparable Ford Anglia 123E great However, the equipment list included a heater, tinted glass, whitewall tires, fog and reversing lights, reclining seats, mirrors, a lighter, a clock, electric windshield washer and even a radio with an automatic antenna.
The Compagno presented a heater, reclining seats, a cigarette lighter and a clock.
Unfortunately, few buyers called Muswell 2901 for details when production of Compagno ceased in 1970 only six UK market versions were sold Dufay had sold Japanese cameras but has no expertise with cars retail and it would not be until nine years later returned to officially Daihatsu vehicles in the UK.
The two original doors 800 press car survives to this day as an example of a missed opportunity for the Daihatsu had more than enough exposure call, it was truly a car to recklessness and prudence as well, with its low-slung bucket seats jaunty Italianate style was more elegant than the cuboid lines Vauxhall Viva HA shift and column four-speed was not unpleasant to use There was also a surprisingly large boot and if separate chassis and rigid rear axle of Compagno lacked the sophistication of engineering Morris 1100 s, then as the Triumph Herald.
The Compagno 800 needs a highway performance, 797cc engine could coax a maximum speed of only 66 mph causing Compagno 800 becoming one of the few cars that can be challenged by a Graham Hill Suburban Renault 4 clones would been more at home with the luxury of Spider, who was not only the only Japanese car to fuel injection this time but exceptionally beautiful in the market and any other car could offer fast power silent tiger kitten.
Daihatsu Compagno 797cc engine gave it a speed of only 66 mph.
When the Daihatsu arrived in the UK, Japanese cars were already rivaled British models in several European markets and the Commonwealth in 1963 the Australian automotive magazine gloriously proclaimed the Nissan Cedric was Cissy A Autocar test Berlina two doors August 1965 sniffed the invasion Jap long threatened our stage of the automobile was mostly well done, but it was not technically advanced, but the key to success for so many cars that came after the Compagno Toyota Corolla to first Sunderland built Nissan Bluebirds.
The Compagno deserves to be remembered as more than a footnote in British automotive history, when the press demonstrator CHB 8B was recorded October 23, 1964, it was the harbinger of the future commercial success Japanese Besides, everyone not totally excited about the British Spanish market combined brochure indicating that Compagno Berlina 1000 De Luxe has achieved, it is quite possibly death.
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50 years of Japanese cars in the UK, the years, the Japanese cars.